Glyder 2

Glu Mobile has taken an interesting tact with their recent Android game releases. First Super KO Boxing 2 and now Glyder 2 have been released with both a paid version and a free, full, ad supported version. Any guesses which versions are garnering more downloads? In fact it's entertaining reading some of the paid comments for Super KO Boxing 2 where people feel gypped because they think their paid game is now free as if Glu has done something wrong when they are just ignorant of the situation. I'd be interested in any information on how this method of game 'sales' is working out, but I have to think reasonably well given that they came back for more. Back to the review...

Glyder 2 is a pretty game in which you pilot a gal named Eryn with 'wings' collecting diamonds and other jewels in a variety of settings. Much like Super KO Boxing 2, for a free, albeit ad supported, game this is excellent and that alone should be enough reason to check it out. The controls are the usual tilt and rotate to control your direction and, as you glide, you have both an altitude and speed meter to contend with. You can easily pick up speed by diving. Your wings drop back and you soar downward. How do you gain altitude while gliding? Easy... there are several 'thermals' that force air upwars indicated by upward pointing arrows on the screen. Fly on in and get caught within the vortex to soar high once again.

The game includes 7 different, unlockable areas in which to play and also, as you collect stuff, you'll be able to upgrade Eryn's equipment. The graphics are good, audio enchanting, and controls reasonably responsive. There are times when I feel like I'm crawling along despite knowing exactly where I want to go and wish I could hit the 'speed' button to get there, but the game isn't about speed. It's about control... balancing your speed gained from dives with the need to get to your intended target jewels.

I'll admit that this kind of game doesn't do much for me. I'm not really into racing games nor the 'run around and collect stuff' games. This title clearly falls into the latter category. They get old, fast for yours truly. But this game is pretty enough that it makes a good demo as well as a good game for the kids (not that there aren't any adults that this style of play will appeal to). It's also quite a relaxing game to play almost to the point of being entrancing. If the 'collect the gems' style has any interest to you then you should be all over this one, but the reality is that it's worth a go just because of the free, full version. 5/5 stars for a game that is so well done that I can overlook my personal disinterest in the title.

QR Code for Glyder 2 (Free):